Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Monday, 22 November 2010
A Magi-cal Approach to Worship
Joel Payne has written an interesting article on the Magi which is well worth checking out. It's posted at EngageWorship.org
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
The Son - A Story to Share at Christmas
The Son - A Story to Share at Christmas
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed father looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. But the day came when war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram that his beloved son had been killed while carrying a fellow soldier to a medic.
On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” “I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” After a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all.”
That is the essence of the story of Christmas: Whoever takes the Son gets it all. The Bible puts it like this: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11_12).
On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” “I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” After a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all.”
That is the essence of the story of Christmas: Whoever takes the Son gets it all. The Bible puts it like this: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11_12).
Monday, 30 November 2009
A Christmas Lament
For those under pressure or rushing in their preparations leading up to Christmas Dean McIntyre has written a thoughtful lament which may be sung to the tune of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" or — with some rhythmic adjustment — "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Christmas-1st Corinthians 13 Style
Christmas-1st Corinthians 13 Style
- If I decorate my house perfectly with bows,strands of twinkling lights and shiny baubles, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
- If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas biscuits, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtimes, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
- If I decorate the Christmas tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
- Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
- Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband or wife.
- Love is kind, though harried and tired.
- Love doesn't envy another's home that has co-ordinated Christmas china and table cloths.
- Love doesn't yell at the children to get out of the way.
- Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
- Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Ten Commandments for Christmas
1. You shall not leave "Christ" out of Christmas, making it "Xmas". To some, "X" is unknown.
2. You shall prepare your soul fro Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that your soul is forgotten.
3. You shall not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.
4. You shall not burden the shop worker the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.
5. You shall give yourself with your gift. This will increase its value a hundredfold, and the one who receives it shall treasure it for ever.
6. You shall not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.
7. You shall not neglect the needy. Share your blessings with many who will go hungry and cold if you are not generous.
8. You shall not neglect your church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.
9. You shall be as a little child. Not until you become in spirit as a little one are you ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
10. You shall give your heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of your Christmas list.
2. You shall prepare your soul fro Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that your soul is forgotten.
3. You shall not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.
4. You shall not burden the shop worker the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.
5. You shall give yourself with your gift. This will increase its value a hundredfold, and the one who receives it shall treasure it for ever.
6. You shall not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.
7. You shall not neglect the needy. Share your blessings with many who will go hungry and cold if you are not generous.
8. You shall not neglect your church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.
9. You shall be as a little child. Not until you become in spirit as a little one are you ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
10. You shall give your heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of your Christmas list.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Prayer of preparation
Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Nouwen Centre
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Nouwen Centre
Galilee Star News
NAZARETH - JERUSALEM - CAPERNAUM - BETHLEHEM
The news that might have been...
Cost blowout on government census
See the Gospels of Luke (2:1-7) and Matthew (2:1-23)
for the full story.
Star "not Halley's comet" says expert
The sightings of a new star over the Bethlehem sky
recently has baffled stargazers and astronomers alike.
Some reports of it being an unscheduled sighting of
Halley's comet have been denied by experts.
A government spokesman refused to comment.
Eastern Mystics Customs Check
See the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-16 for the full story.
The news that might have been...
Cost blowout on government census
The census called be Caesar Augustus for the entire Roman
world, the first under the governorship of Quirinius in Syria,
is facing a huge cost blowout.
Each person had been requested to return to their own town
for the census. The cost of compensation claims alone is
almost certain to cause an increase in taxes.
world, the first under the governorship of Quirinius in Syria,
is facing a huge cost blowout.
Each person had been requested to return to their own town
for the census. The cost of compensation claims alone is
almost certain to cause an increase in taxes.
See the Gospels of Luke (2:1-7) and Matthew (2:1-23)
for the full story.
Star "not Halley's comet" says expert
The sightings of a new star over the Bethlehem sky
recently has baffled stargazers and astronomers alike.
Some reports of it being an unscheduled sighting of
Halley's comet have been denied by experts.
A government spokesman refused to comment.
Eastern Mystics Customs Check
A number of Magi from the East,who had come to Jerusalem
to visit a so-called 'king', were questioned strongly by
government officials today over a number of unregistered
gifts and treasures, including gold, incense and myrrh.
The Magi were being sought be officials after eluding a
command to report to King Herod about the whereabouts
of the 'child king'.
Reports to hand indicate that the Magi found the child by
following the path of a star. When they entered the house
where the child was staying , it is said that they bowed
before the infant and worshiped him.
A spokesman for King Herod said that the actions of the
were inappropriate and distasteful in the extreme,
and that the gifts themselves were more in keeping
with those of a real king instead of some imposter child.
to visit a so-called 'king', were questioned strongly by
government officials today over a number of unregistered
gifts and treasures, including gold, incense and myrrh.
The Magi were being sought be officials after eluding a
command to report to King Herod about the whereabouts
of the 'child king'.
Reports to hand indicate that the Magi found the child by
following the path of a star. When they entered the house
where the child was staying , it is said that they bowed
before the infant and worshiped him.
A spokesman for King Herod said that the actions of the
were inappropriate and distasteful in the extreme,
and that the gifts themselves were more in keeping
with those of a real king instead of some imposter child.
See the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-16 for the full story.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
The Shoppers Prayer
The Shoppers Prayer--
Our cash
Which art on plastic
Hollowed be thy name
Thy Cartier watch
Thy Prada bag
Online
As it is in store
Give us each day our Platinum Visa
And forgive those that stop us spending
And lead us not unto Louis Vuitton
For thine is the Gucci
The Dior and the Armani
For Chanel No.5 and Eternity
AMEX
Our cash
Which art on plastic
Hollowed be thy name
Thy Cartier watch
Thy Prada bag
Online
As it is in store
Give us each day our Platinum Visa
And forgive those that stop us spending
And lead us not unto Louis Vuitton
For thine is the Gucci
The Dior and the Armani
For Chanel No.5 and Eternity
AMEX
Give Christmas Away
"Let me not wrap, stack, box, bag, tie, tag, bundle, seal, keep Christmas.
Christmas kept is liable to mold.
Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls.
Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsibly with overflowing hands, tireless steps and sparkling eyes.
Christmas given away will stay fresh—even until it comes again."
(author unknown)
Christmas kept is liable to mold.
Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls.
Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsibly with overflowing hands, tireless steps and sparkling eyes.
Christmas given away will stay fresh—even until it comes again."
(author unknown)
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Christ, the Light of the World
A Christmas Day Prayer
Christ, the Light of the world,
on all who greet this day with sadness or
loneliness, may your light shine;
on all who greet this day with no home to call their own,
may your light shine;
on all who greet this day with fear of
violence, may your light shine;
on all who greet this day not recognising
God at work in the world, may your light shine,
and so, may all people near and far have
their darkness banished as Jesus
is made known. Amen.
Christ, the Light of the world,
on all who greet this day with sadness or
loneliness, may your light shine;
on all who greet this day with no home to call their own,
may your light shine;
on all who greet this day with fear of
violence, may your light shine;
on all who greet this day not recognising
God at work in the world, may your light shine,
and so, may all people near and far have
their darkness banished as Jesus
is made known. Amen.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
A Christmas Story
"Suppose there was a king who loved a humble maiden,"begins a parable by Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855). How could he declare his love for her? She might respond out of fear or coercion, but he wanted her to love him fro himself.
So the king, convinced that he could not appear as a king without crushing his loved one's freedom, resolved to descend.he stepped off his throne, took off his royal robes, and wrapped himself in a shabby cloak. It was no mere disguise, but a new identitiy. He took on the life of a servant to win the young woman's hand.
What a risk! She might love him or she might spurn him and send himaway, and he would lose her love forever. But that's a picture of the choice god gave to manking, and that, of course, is what the parable is about.
Philippians 2:5-7 "Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant..."
That is the true story of Christmas: God in a manger; God in a human form that no one could possibly fear. What is going to be our response to Jesus this Christmas?
So the king, convinced that he could not appear as a king without crushing his loved one's freedom, resolved to descend.he stepped off his throne, took off his royal robes, and wrapped himself in a shabby cloak. It was no mere disguise, but a new identitiy. He took on the life of a servant to win the young woman's hand.
What a risk! She might love him or she might spurn him and send himaway, and he would lose her love forever. But that's a picture of the choice god gave to manking, and that, of course, is what the parable is about.
Philippians 2:5-7 "Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant..."
That is the true story of Christmas: God in a manger; God in a human form that no one could possibly fear. What is going to be our response to Jesus this Christmas?
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
A Great Christmas Present
In this activity children make a present which contains the Christmas message to give away or share with their family or friends at Christmas.
You will need:
Small boxes (eg.noodle take away containers)
Star stickers or shapes
Small heart stickers or shapes
Small rocks
Pipe cleaners ( to be shaped into crosses)
Small candy canes
Cotton balls (sprayed with a drop of perfume)
Wrapping paper (large enough to wrap the small baoxes)
Labels which say To ____, from Jesus)
Ribbon
Give each child an empty box and tell them that they are going to be making "A great Christmas present". Explain that you will be giving them various items to go into their boxes and that each thing tells part of the Christmas story. talk about each item as you give it out, then have the children pace the item into their box before you show them the next thing.
Star - Reminds us of the special star that God put in the sky at Jesus' birth.
Heart - Reminds us how much Jesus loves us.
Cross - Reminds us that Jesus died so that we can be friends with God.
Candy Cane - The red reminds us that Jesus died so that we can be friends wit God.
Rock - Reminds us that Jesus did not stay dead, but rose to life again.
Cotton ball and perfume - Before Jesus went back to heaven, he told his followers to tell the whole world about him. After saying this , he was taken up to heaven as they watched him and a cloud hid him from their sight. The cotton ball reminds us of the cloud , and the perfume, which spreads around the room, reminds us to spread his story into the world.
Go over each item again quickly to remind the children and then have each child wrap their present explaining that they can give it away to someone or place it under their Christmas tree to open and share the story on Christmas day. finally the children attach the label.
This activity could easily be adapted for use as children's talk in a Sunday school or worship setting.
You will need:
Small boxes (eg.noodle take away containers)
Star stickers or shapes
Small heart stickers or shapes
Small rocks
Pipe cleaners ( to be shaped into crosses)
Small candy canes
Cotton balls (sprayed with a drop of perfume)
Wrapping paper (large enough to wrap the small baoxes)
Labels which say To ____, from Jesus)
Ribbon
Give each child an empty box and tell them that they are going to be making "A great Christmas present". Explain that you will be giving them various items to go into their boxes and that each thing tells part of the Christmas story. talk about each item as you give it out, then have the children pace the item into their box before you show them the next thing.
Star - Reminds us of the special star that God put in the sky at Jesus' birth.
Heart - Reminds us how much Jesus loves us.
Cross - Reminds us that Jesus died so that we can be friends with God.
Candy Cane - The red reminds us that Jesus died so that we can be friends wit God.
Rock - Reminds us that Jesus did not stay dead, but rose to life again.
Cotton ball and perfume - Before Jesus went back to heaven, he told his followers to tell the whole world about him. After saying this , he was taken up to heaven as they watched him and a cloud hid him from their sight. The cotton ball reminds us of the cloud , and the perfume, which spreads around the room, reminds us to spread his story into the world.
Go over each item again quickly to remind the children and then have each child wrap their present explaining that they can give it away to someone or place it under their Christmas tree to open and share the story on Christmas day. finally the children attach the label.
This activity could easily be adapted for use as children's talk in a Sunday school or worship setting.
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Christmas Prayer Response
Leader: Christ the Promised one has come
C: Help us recognize your Son.
Leader: Kept out from the inn that night
C: Open up those lives shut tight.
Leader: Angels singing, shepherds scared
C: Help us see God's peace is shared.
Leader: Shepherd gave praise from his heart
C:Lead us Lord to do our part.
Leader: Star shone brightly where He lay
C: Help us follow now His way.
Leader:Ruler, King- though baby small
C: Rule our lives, please use us all.
Leader:We decorate our Christmas tree
C: Remind us Lord, You died for me.
Leader: Jesus came to save from sin
C: Calls us now to welcome Him.
(C) Don Stott Eliab.com
C: Help us recognize your Son.
Leader: Kept out from the inn that night
C: Open up those lives shut tight.
Leader: Angels singing, shepherds scared
C: Help us see God's peace is shared.
Leader: Shepherd gave praise from his heart
C:Lead us Lord to do our part.
Leader: Star shone brightly where He lay
C: Help us follow now His way.
Leader:Ruler, King- though baby small
C: Rule our lives, please use us all.
Leader:We decorate our Christmas tree
C: Remind us Lord, You died for me.
Leader: Jesus came to save from sin
C: Calls us now to welcome Him.
(C) Don Stott Eliab.com
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
A Christmas Creed
I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.
I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.
I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.
I believe in the one whom the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.
I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible.
I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother’s arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love as its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God’s love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of GOd.
I confess my everlasting need of God: the need for forgiveness for our selfishness and greed; the need for new life for empty souls; the need for love for hearts grown cold.
I believe in God who gives us the best of himself. I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God, born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.
Anonymous
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